AN: Gah! Sorry about the lack of updates, I've been trying to organise moving house... well, state as well! And getting a job up there too... watch out Byron, I'm coming!
CHAPTER TWELVE: Parselmouth inheritance
Remus had deemed it impossible, but now that he really thought about it the idea wasn't really all that bad because what did they have to loose? Well, there was the threat and danger of someone falling to the Dark Lord, but that was inevitable- however everyone in the order had been briefed on such things before pledging their services. But that right now was not the most important detail.
Remus had been going over and over the thought of actually swallowing his fear and standing up to the one who made most witches and wizards quiver with fright at the mere sound of his name. Would he be able to do it? If they were going to go ahead with the plan, where else were they going to get another Lycanthrope? Remus didn't know any others, as he'd already said, and if he didn't know any- how could anyone else? He didn't know, unless Dumbledore did... but he seriously doubted that an almost stranger would simply waltz in from the street and happily face mortal peril.
Since his childhood, Remus had cursed his disease. And that's what he referred to it as because real diseases would be considered a disability and Lycanthropy was definitely a disability. It had haunted him his whole life, from the time he was bitten, and it came as a huge shock when his friends found out and didn't shun him from society like he'd expected. James and Sirius were the best friends anyone one could have, as Remus had never really been fond of Peter- and now with even more good reason. But with his two best friends gone, what were he to do? He didn't have someone to love, or a really close friend. Harry was a good friend of whom he could talk to, but it just wasn't the same.
What would he really be risking?
No close friends, no lover and no worthwhile job. The job at Hogwarts had been the best thing that had ever happened to him, but then Severus Snape had to go and ruin that... although, Remus had to remember, it was with good reason because he had after all had too many chances to hurt too many people. Lycanthropy was for life.
Coming to these conclusions, Remus decided he would go for it. Maybe if they were to succeed society wouldn't look upon Werewolf's with such hate and fear filled eyes and maybe they'd become more accepted. It could also spark a new interest into the research to an antidote, but that thought was merely hopeful.
Remus was a little surprised to find Severus seemed to be taking to the idea almost as strongly as Harry had. He'd never really pictured him to be a man of anything more than stubbornness, severity and coldness. But he guessed he'd been proven wrong.
However, their little chat was disturbed by a knock on the door.
"Maybe Ginny remembered not to barge in this time." Harry grinned, having just finished his story. "Come in!" He almost audibly gulped when Molly Weasley's head popped into the room.
"Dinner's ready. I've been wondering where you three have been, what have you been doing up here?" She asked rather calmly. Maybe someone or other had spoken her to. That or she'd found out about Hermione and Ginny.
Harry grinned at her. "You'll find out at the meeting tomorrow, Mrs. Weasley. I'm sure you'll be interested though." Harry stood, taking Severus's hand. Harry disregarded Molly's attempt at a disdainful glance at their linked hands.
The trio followed her out to the dinner table where everyone else was already seated. Harry shot a glance at Hermione and Ginny and could tell instantly that she had not found out about them- which was a good thing.
Dinner passed rather uneventfully, Harry and Severus struggling through their meals. Molly still appeared to be disgruntled about the whole Harry-Severus situation, but she visibly relaxed when Arthur came down the stairs and enveloped her in a hug. After cleaning up, the two retreated to their bedroom, leaving everyone else in the Drawing room. Hermione and Ginny deemed it safe to sit together.
"Where did you three get to before?" Ginny asked, resting her head on Hermione's shoulder.
"None of your business." Harry smirked at her.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Oh don't tell me there's some nasty little triangle going on..." She giggled.
"Hmm... now that you mention it..." Harry grinned, looking from Severus to Remus. But Harry almost lost his frown when he realised it was a partial truth. Hadn't he kissed Remus only the day before? No, he wouldn't think about that. It was a spur of the moment thing that meant absolutely nothing.
"If there's going to be such talk then I may as well leave now." Severus said in a tone that Harry knew as teasing, but everyone else would assume was he being serious.
"No, no... it's okay. We wont tell them any more of our affair with Remus if you don't want." Harry's cheeky expression broadened when Severus glared at him.
Remus blushed at this, having never been good with these certain conversations, but remained silent.
"I warned you..." Severus said, attempting to stand up.
"No! I'm sorry!" He said, but then turned to the rest of the room. "It's not true, Severus and I have never been involved with Remus. It was just a figment of my imagination!" Harry grinned, as Fred and George laughed.
"You've really put your foot in it now Harry." Fred beamed.
"Yep, I'd say you're bound to get a beating from both of them." George added.
"And I'd say the Weasley's are right." Severus said, now standing, almost glaring down at Harry.
Harry gulped. "Right... I think that's my cue to say I'll make it up to you?"
Severus nodded.
"Good, I'll ahh... I think Severus and I should excuse ourselves. If we don't see anyone before you go to bed, then good night!"
Good nights were sung back to them as they retreated back up to Harry's room.
"You can sleep in here with me, I know the perfect silencing charm that works wonders so we won't disturb Ron during the night." Harry grinned.
"And how would you know that?" Severus asked, removing his robes.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Because the night I summoned you I was feeling lonely, and I just couldn't rid myself of the urge for the pleasure you so greatly give me." Harry pulled Severus into his arms, kissing him wetly. He groaned lightly when he felt Severus hardening against him. "I want to feel you..." Harry purred, unclasping Severus's pants.
Harry successfully pulled them down, and carefully took Severus's half flaccid cock in his hands before streaking his tongue along it. He felt it jump and harden even more, before he took him completely in his mouth. Harry lowered completely to his knees, and simply let Severus's cock harden in his mouth in an almost teasing fashion. It was curious to feel it like this, but as soon as the man above him inched his hips forwards Harry took that as his cue to begin moving and sucking.
Severus was already having trouble standing still, and so managed to step back until he was sitting on the bed with Harry's face between his legs. But needing more, Severus pulled Harry away from his pleasuring activities and attacked his mouth with his own. He allowed Harry to push him backwards onto the small bed, urging the rest of his clothes off until they were naked together.
"We've already been walked in on once... maybe we should charm the door?" Harry suggested, his cheeks lightly flushed. Severus nodded and cast the various charms and whatever else was needed to deter prying eyes. "Good." Harry said, kissing his again.
Severus took great pleasure in feeling every part of Harry's body with his hands, paying special attention to certain areas where he knew Harry loved to be touched. He was almost surprised to find that he did know these areas and even more so that Harry knew where he liked to be touched. Severus had never been this close with someone before in his life.
Shuddering with pent up energy that came with the falling of the sun, Harry sought to please Severus in many ways. He took his time in preparing him, readying the half-Vampire for what would eventually come. Deeming Severus ready, Harry positioned himself and slowly entered Severus much like he had the first time... the time in which he was granted his blood and life. Straining, Harry was exceptionally pleased to feel Severus adapting to him much quicker this time, and sooner than ever before had they set a mind-blowing rhythm.
It didn't take long for either of them to climax, Harry falling heavily onto Severus's chest. Both of them were panting, glistening with sweat, but content beyond belief. After a few long minutes, both decided they could talk again.
"I think we should at least put something on you know... because Ron will be sleeping in here too..." Harry said in a husky voice in Severus's ear, while planting gentle kisses.
"Hmm... I suppose. Although I prefer to sleep next to you naked... And I sincerely doubt that it's nothing he hasn't seen before." Severus said back, his already deep voice now even more so. The sound vibrated though Harry's entire body.
"I know... but... all right, you win." Harry smiled lazily. "Just remember to take the wards off."
Severus took up his wand and removed the wards. "Have a good sleep, Harry." He said softly, pulling Harry in even closer to him.
"I will, and I hope you do too." Harry said, and then wrapped himself around Severus and savouring the heat their bodies could generate.
"How could I not? I'm next to you."
This made Harry smile, but he knew not to reply and simply settled against Severus's body. Harry was on the verge of sleep when he heard the door open, a sliver of light breaking the darkness. It was Ron, Harry knew. But Harry didn't pay any attention, and soon he was drifting off into a sleep where Severus dominated his every thought.
Harry was sound asleep, or at least he thought he was. There was something poking his arm, and a voice... but he didn't want to listen to it. Feeling himself grumble, Harry tried to roll away from the disturbance but found he couldn't. Sighing in annoyance, he finally opened his eyes.
"About bloody time." Came a voice, and Harry opened his bleary eyes to find Ron standing above his bed.
"Huh?" Harry managed to mutter, his throat dry. He must have slept with his mouth open again.
"You've got to get up, the meeting's starting like now." Ron said, looking a little discomforted.
Harry was finally awake. "Oh shit, really?" He asked, sitting up. Severus's arm fell from around him and at that moment Harry realised he was naked, only just managing to pull the blanket up before he revealed his state of undress. He felt Severus rouse beside him.
"Arg... next time you sleep naked please at least warn me." Ron said, walking away. "I'll wait out here until the two of you are up." He said, shutting the door behind him.
Harry just grinned to himself and lent over to wake Severus. "We have to get up." He said, kissing his lips lightly as his eyes fluttered open. Harry loved seeing Severus in the morning, he always looked so peaceful and calm.
"I'm sure they can manage without us..." Severus mumbled, pulling Harry back to him and shutting his eyes.
"Come on Severus, if the meeting's starting that must mean it's about twelve..." Harry had to suppress a shudder when he felt Severus's nakedness against his own. It really was almost too much.
The half-Vampire beside Harry snorted lightly. "Fine..." He said, sitting up. "But I want a shower first."
"You can't always have what you want you know..." Harry teased, kissing Severus's neck.
"Oh really? Watch me." Severus smirked, pushed Harry off him and got out of bed. Harry felt his cheeks heat up when he was given a full viewing of his body.
"Alright... I'll watch you." Harry said as he got out of bed. Hastily he donned his cloak, still naked underneath and followed Severus to the bathroom.
"It's okay Ron, you can go back in. We're having a shower before we go, they can just wait." Harry said as he walked past his friend.
Ron nodded and entered the bedroom. He didn't know how he was ever going to cope with those two, but he knew he would.
Harry and Severus had a pretty quick shower, and it was a little surprising that they actually contained themselves from having any fun. Severus just assumed that was because they had had a pretty good night. They emerged fresh, both with their hair still glistening with moisture. It was like this they finally entered the kitchen, twenty minutes late to many curious glances.
Blushing, Harry apologised for being late but Dumbledore simply gave a slight nod of his head.
"Now that we are all present, and we have all been given time to let this new information sink in, is there anyone who would like to begin?" Dumbledore asked graciously.
Harry rose from his seat. "Actually... I have a proposition that I'd like people to listen to."
"We're all listening." Dumbledore said again, looking interested already.
Harry gave him an appreciative smile, glanced at Remus and then at Severus before he started speaking. "Well... last night I was taking to Remus, and he actually gave me the idea. He said that a Lycanthrope's blood or bite is lethal to a Vampire, is it not?" There was a murmur of agreement. "And, as far fetched as it may first seem, what if there was a way to infect Volde..." He paused from the collective gush of gasps. "Voldemort..." He added firmly. "Infect him and make him a Vampire, and then get him bitten by a Werewolf. Death would be immediate, and permanent."
"Don't you think that's just a little too fanciful, Mr. Potter? We must be realistic." Harry frowned at McGonagall.
"I know Professor, but think... so many people have tried duelling with him and other ways of killing him and none have been successful. He plays dirty, so why can't we? All the conventional ways have failed, so I think it's time to start using more... quirky methods."
"Indeed that could be so, but have you considered the risks? I suppose you're proposing to do this yourself?" Minerva persisted. The whole room seemed to be listening.
"Of course. I wouldn't allow anyone else..."
"And I've volunteered to do the final part." Remus interjected. "It's the least I could do, and I'd like to think my being a Werewolf could actually be of benefit for once."
Harry gave him a smile. "Not only that, but I'm almost certain I can find out where he's currently hiding out. I'm not going to say how now, not until it's certain. But I'm feeling pretty convinced." Harry sat down, taking the silence and considerate expressions as a good side. He threw a grin at Severus, but lost it when he saw the look on his face. "What's wrong?" He asked softly, although almost everyone heard it. Harry took Severus's hand under the table.
"You know what's wrong. Once you take blood you're condemned to the night forever." Severus said in a low voice that made Harry shudder.
"I know, but I'm prepared to face that."
Severus took a breath, focused, and began to speak in Parseltongue. "But I don't want you to face it." He said, causing a few gasps, as many of the people in the room had never heard anyone speaking in snake language. He ignored them. "I don't see why you can't let me do it, I do have the power to do so without having to complete the transformation."
"You know this is my burden to face, Severus. I have to finish what Voldemort began with me all those years ago- you know that. I couldn't allow you to risk it, I don't know what I'd do if I lost you forever..." Harry replied back in parseltongue effortlessly.
"If I might..." Dumbledore interrupted. "I was unaware you were a Parselmouth, Severus."
Severus looked to Dumbledore. "That is what I inherited off of Harry when he bit me, just like he attained my knowledge of Potions and other magic."
"Sorry, we don't mean to be rude... there are just a few things we haven't sorted out yet." Harry said politely, turning back to Severus who spoke to him.
"You say that Harry, but have you thought about what I'd do without you? If you allow me to bite him, we can still spend the daylight hours together... but don't think you'd be getting out of it easy, I'd need someone to distract him because I can tell you now there aren't going to be any heroics." Severus said, gripping Harry's hand tighter.
Harry sighed, and considered this. "I know... and it would be good to be able to spend the daylight hours together... but..."
"It's my battle too Harry, don't forget I was once a Death Eater... I know all about his treatment and many a time he punished me. I will not underestimate him, if that's what you're worried about." Severus reassured. "Please... I want to do this, let me do it..."
Harry couldn't help but smile sadly. It was such a great thing to see Severus being so sincere and expressing his emotions so openly to him, he really did feel special. How could he deny him? "Only if you're sure Severus, because I don't want you to do this for me..."
Severus smirked lightly. "I'm not doing it for you Harry, I'm doing it for me and us. As much as it pains me, I've come too far to just let you stray now. You're stuck with me for all of eternity."
Harry's sadness began to evaporate. "I'm glad I'll be stuck with you, Severus. You mean more to me than anything at the moment." Harry was almost oblivious to the Order members around him. "Okay, I'll agree to you doing it. But for now I think we better get back to the meeting." He smiled, and turned back to the other people around the table. He sat up straighter. "Alright, we've sorted that." He said, pleased.
Dumbledore nodded. "I think we may need some clarification."
"Well basically, the one who will be biting You-know-Who will be Severus. I was reluctant at first, but he is adamant that it is the right thing to do considering if I'm to bite him I will consequently become a complete Vampire but if Severus is to bite him then he'll still be able to continue the way he is. It's the power Meier gave me, the Vampire who bit me. He gave me the power to give the choice, and I passed that power on to Severus. The only thing now we have to worry about is Volde... You-Know-Who finding a way to kill Severus and/or myself. Since he knows I'm infected, he could very well try to impale my heart with a wooden stake or something. But that's just one of the risks we're going to have to take."
There was a murmur of voices, and a sobbing that was getting louder and louder. Harry looked up to find it was Molly Weasley. That woman really was a strange one.
"Oh Harry..." She cried, dabbing her eyes with her hanky. "It's so dangerous... so much has happened, if only I could have stopped..."
"Mrs. Weasley, there was nothing you could do to stop me getting bitten and you know it. If anything, it's made me happier." Harry said trying to be patient.
"I think we should have a short break." Dumbledore said, standing up. There was agreement and soon Harry was pulling Severus out of his seat.
"I think they're actually considering it you know." He said, wanting to hold Severus close by knew it wasn't appropriate.
"I think you might be right." He looked around the room. "That damn Weasley woman..." He growled, and Harry took his hand to calm him.
"Don't worry about her, she's just an emotional person. She'll get over it." Harry sighed. But then his eyes settled on Mundungus. "Severus... you have no idea what I've just sighted..." He said, his excitement growing.
"What?" Severus rolled his eyes lightly.
"Whisky."
"Really?" Severus looked around the room, until his eyes settled on Mundungus also. "Mundungus." He said, stroking his fingers against Harry's.
"Bingo. Come on, let's see if he's scared of Vampires." He pulled Severus by the hand, earning even more queer glances, until they had approached the known thief. "Hi!" Harry said cheerily, grinning at the grotty man.
Mundungus looked up with his watery eyes. "Harry, Snape. What can I do for you both?" He asked in a voice he'd always used with Harry. Harry assumed this was because Vampires really didn't worry him.
"A favour. Do you think it possible for Severus and I to have some of your whisky? You have no idea how much we'd appreciate it... there's absolutely nothing to drink here." Harry smiled at him, although careful not to reveal his fangs too much.
Mundungus looked at them a moment before opening his dirty cloak. "I'll tell you what, since nobody else seems to be very friendly, and I know how that feels, you can have this. There's more where it came from, if you're willing to pay that is..." He smiled crookedly, revealing yellowing teeth. Harry hoped he hadn't drunk out of the bottle.
"Thanks! And yes, we may be interested... we'll get back to you after the meeting though, is that okay?"
"Certainly. I'm glad I could be of help. It seems I haven't been much help lately; those twins keep rejecting anything I've got for them. Unappreciative brats." He muttered, walking away. Harry turned to Severus and beamed wildly.
"Look what we've got!"
"Are you sure it's safe?" Severus asked, eyeing the bottle.
"Well he was drinking it."
"That's precisely my worry." He frowned, taking the bottle from Harry's hand. "Although it does look alright."
"I'm sure it's fine." Harry pulled out his wand and conjured up two glasses. "Here, I'll pour you one."
"You wouldn't be making a habit of drinking early in the day would you Harry?" Harry turned to find Remus looking at him, obviously amused.
"Of course. Can I offer you a glass?" Harry asked, sipping his drink. He shuddered in pleasure as the liquid rolled down his throat smoothly.
Remus cast a wary glance around the room. "No, I don't think I should. Thanks anyway, I might take you up on the offer later though." He said, moving away again.
"It's not too bad, is it?" Harry asked, moving close to Severus.
"Even I can't deny it's not." He said, sipping it. He wasn't ashamed to let his hand find Harry's and for their fingers to weave in together. Severus realised he'd come out of his shell a lot since being changed, and since he and Harry had become so much more together. It was almost as if all of his inhibitions had melted away; Severus didn't care what people thought anymore, and he definitely wasn't going to refrain from doing something just because people might think it inappropriate or unlike him. After all, what did they know? No one had ever really known Snape.
Harry took Severus's hand and held it firmly. He lent into him close, to he could whisper into his ear. "I hate it how everyone keeps glancing at us but turning away when we catch their gaze." He said, brushing his lips against Severus's skin.
"It is rather infuriating..." Severus replied, allowing Harry's lips on his ear. "I think we're beginning again." Severus said and Harry pulled away.
"Right. Let's get back to it then." Harry kept his hand clasped tightly in Severus's as they made their way back to their original seats.
"It's time to have a little bit of a vote." Dumbledore said, remaining standing. "I'd like a raise of wands of those who would be willing to give Harry's idea a go."
Harry, Severus and Remus were the first to stick their hands in the air. Harry looked about, and was surprised to find that the majority of the room were also raising their hands. He noticed though that Molly kept hers firmly clasped together on the table. Harry caught Tonks' eye and she winked at him, raising her hand even higher. Harry was glad that she didn't seem worried about his changes.
"Well... as they say majority rules. Looks like we'll be looking into this further, Harry." Dumbledore said, seemingly pleased.
"It wasn't really my idea, Professor. Remus was the one who suggested it." Harry said, noticing that Remus blushed lightly.
"It's alright, really." Remus muttered.
"Do you have any idea as to how to go about this, Harry or Remus?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry nodded. "Indeed. I've been thinking that it might be wise to do it on a full moon, so then Remus can be at the ready to get it over and done with. Since Severus is going to be the one doing the biting, we're going to need to keep him out of the way until we can get You-Know-Who in a position where Severus can get him easily. This'll probably involve some duelling and distracting, which I'm prepared to do... but back up would be nice." Harry smiled. "So it's pretty simply really, all I have to do is get a little more info and hopefully it will all be good."
"I must admit now that you say it that way it does appear more convincing. I think we may be onto something here actually. But as for the backup, do we have any volunteers?" Dumbledore asked, sweeping his gaze about the room.
Tonks' hand was the first to rise. "I'll do it, since I'm an Auror."
"Me too." Said the deep baritone of Kingsley Shacklebolt, the other Auror.
"Good, good. And I'll be there of course." Dumbledore added. A few more hands rose, and soon there was a decent amount of people. "Excellent. It might be an idea to start preparing right away. Maybe it could be an idea to possibly run some duelling practices? I know I'd appreciate it." He said good heartedly.
"Definitely. Count me in for that." Harry said. He always had liked duelling. He'd also had a lot of fun teaching the members of the DA everything he knew. "I know I'd like to practice duelling."
"Well, everyone that's interested can you please put your names on this parchment..." Dumbledore conjured up an impressive piece of gold parchment. "... and I'll send everyone whose name is on it an owl informing them of practices and meetings. I think that will be all for today." He said cheerily.
Harry sighed, turning to Severus. "Good... because I'm bored."
Severus looked at him with a half smile playing on his handsome face. "You must bore yourself then, since you did most of the talking."
Harry broke out into a grin. "I do not. I think I'm very interesting. I'm just bored now that I'm not talking."
"Typical."
"And what is that supposed to mean? Are you saying I'm conceited?" Harry gave his hand a squeeze.
"What do you think?" Severus asked, squeezing his hand back.
"I think that you're asking to be punished... maybe we can do some duelling practice of our own, how does that sound?" Harry said excitedly; he'd wondered what Severus was like as a dueller.
"I think that sounds like your demise, but yes... I think I could possibly agree to that." Severus's eyes were sparkling. Neither he nor Harry knew they were being watched.
"I can't say I ever pictured Snape being... what's the right word? Happy." Tonks said to Remus. "I mean obviously I haven't known him as long as you, but every time I've seen him he's always been so sullen and depressed looking."
Remus was thoughtful. "He's always been like that, even all the way through school. I don't think I've ever seen him really smile, but I guess you can call that look a smile. To tell you the honest truth, I can't see what Harry obviously sees in him."
"I don't think many people do. Although I can't deny he looks a lot better lately, probably because of the Vampire in him." She wrinkled her nose. "You know, he could almost pass off as handsome now."
Remus laughed. "I never imagined you ever calling Snape handsome, after some of the comments you've made about him."
Tonks grinned at him. "I know, but as I said he looks different. Not as old..."
"Hey, I'm the same age as him!" Remus said back.
"Oh, I know. But he sort of aged badly I guess. Even with the Lycanthropy you don't look your age. At least I don't think so." Tonks said honestly.
Remus blushed. "Thanks Tonks."
"Any time Remus, any time." She smiled.
Yet the ones they were watching were also watching the watchers. "You know, if Remus wasn't gay I'd say he and Tonks would look good together." Harry said to Severus.
"Lupin is gay? I never knew that." Severus said, looking at him.
"Oops, I wasn't supposed to say anything. I don't think anyone else knows." Harry shrugged.
"How do you know if no one else does?" Severus looked at Harry slyly.
Harry had to contain a gulp. "Because I told him how I felt about men, well you, and he actually confessed. I think he just needs to talk about it, and I don't mind. Remus is a good guy."
Severus snorted.
"Yeah, yeah... I know you think otherwise. I don't need to hear it every time I even so much as mention his name." Harry said, but despite himself smiled. Severus came across as mature, stern and very straight however this wasn't always true. Harry had discovered that he really could be quite juvenile, in a sense anyway.
"Then maybe you should learn not to say that name."
Harry grinned. "Shut up, you can't tell me what I can and can't say."
"Oh really? You think so do you?" Severus was smirking.
Harry nodded. "Indeed. Or maybe we should wait until our duel to prove that?"
"Yes, I should think that a fine idea. Probably the most intelligent thing you've ever said. Oh good, just about everyone is gone." Severus took a moment to look around the room. Dumbledore was still there, as were both Remus and Tonks. But of course Remus was going to be there, he was staying at Grimmauld place for some reason or other. There were others, but no one that Severus had to bother with.
"Hmm... Have you noticed the looks Dumbledore has been giving us? I think he's beginning to realise that we're not going to act as he wishes."
"I think he knew that all along. But better to at least try though isn't it?" Severus raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, I guess." Harry said, his eyes on Dumbledore. "Come on, lets go somewhere where I can kiss you." Harry grinned, pulling Severus by the hand.
Rolling his eyes but nevertheless pleased, Severus allowed it.
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